Winding and securing device for flexible collapsible tubing containing viscous materials

ABSTRACT

A one-piece, generally planar, key-like device for use with flexible, collapsible, tubes that contain viscous materials for extrusion through the open end of the tube. The device includes an elongated shaft portion having a opening disposed longitudinally therewithin for receiving the flattened end of the tube, and a handle for rotating the shaft and having locking means for securing the tube in the wound up condition. The closed, substantially flat end of the tube is inserted into the elongate slot and the handle rotated to wind up depleted portions of the tube after extrusion of viscous material from the open end of the tube. The handle locking means includes extensions overlapping the shaft portion on opposite sides for merging with the wound up tube portion to thereby secure the tube in the wound up position. The device may be left on the tube and will effectively prevent the viscous material remaining in the tube from flowing back into the emptied portion of the tube.

CLAIM FOR BENEFIT OF EARLIER FILING DATE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/291,562 filed on May 18, 2001 and entitled “TUBE TWISTER”. This application has the same inventor and subject matter as, but a different title from, said provisional application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The background of the invention will be discussed in two parts:

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The invention relates generally to devices for use with flexible, collapsible tubes that contain viscous materials for extrusion through the open end of the tube, and more particularly to a simple inexpensive one-piece planar key-like device having means for winding the depleted tube portion of the tube and securing the tube in the wound up position after each use.

[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0006] Collapsible flexible tubes, generally made of metal foil or plastic, are well known as containers for pliable contents such as toothpaste, hair creme, oil paints, etc. The contents of the tube are expelled through an opening at one end by applying pressure wherein the tube is collapsed as the contents are extruded. The pressure is generally applied manually or the contents expelled by various other means known in the art. One such means that has enjoyed popularity is a key-like device having some form of handle and an elongated shaft having a slot therein. In use, the closed end of the collapsible tube is inserted into the slot and the handle is manually turned to wind the flexible tube around the shaft thereby squeezing the tube contents out of the open end of the tube.

[0007] The prior art devices work well with metal foil tubing, however, there is difficulty with resilient plastic tubing in that, unlike metal foil tubing, it does not wind-up easily and will not maintain its wound-up configuration after use. Since the resilient plastic tubing will tend to return to its original shape after it is released, it must be re-wound with each use, the problem being exacerbated since the use of plastic tubes is much more prevalent in common usage.

[0008] One prior art tube key device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 360,791 issued to Andrasic, et al. on Aug. 1, 1995, wherein there is disclosed a key-like design for winding up flexible tubing to thereby expel the tube contents.

[0009] Another prior art device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 378,557 issued to Tal on Mar. 25, 1997, wherein there is disclosed a key-like design for squeezing contents from flexible tubes.

[0010] Yet another prior art device is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,082 issued to Vitelle, et al. on Oct. 18, 1988 wherein apparatus is disclosed for stripping the substance in a flexible, collapsible tube toward the open end of the tube.

[0011] A further prior art device is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,593 issued to Patronaggio on Jan. 12, 1999 wherein apparatus is disclosed for emptying the viscous contents of a flexible plastic tube.

[0012] It is thus apparent that prior art devices are less than satisfactory since they do not have means for securing resilient tube containers, such as plastic tubes, in the rolled up position after use. The prior art being devoid of such tube key devices, there exists a need for a device for securing a resilient tube, containing fluid materials, in the rolled up position after partial extrusion of the contents from the tube. The present invention provides such a device. It is simple in use and inexpensive to manufacture, and provides the unique means for holding the device and the plastic tube in the rolled up position after each use.

[0013] In configuration the invention is a planar key-like device having a handle portion and an elongated portion extending therefrom. The elongated portion has a longitudinal slot disposed therein for receiving the closed flattened end of the container tube to be used and the handle portion including means for winding of depleted portions of the tube and then securing the wound-up tubing after each use. Thus, the invention provides the winding advantages of the key-like extrusion devices while additionally providing unique means for securely segregating the remaining tube contents from the depleted tube portion of the tube after each use.

[0014] It is thus an aspect of the invention to provide a novel device for use with flexible collapsible tubing containing viscous fluids.

[0015] It is another aspect of the invention to provide a unique key-like device for segregating depleted tube portions of resilient tubing containing viscous fluids.

[0016] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a simple inexpensive device for winding up depleted portions of collapsible flexible tubes that includes locking means for holding the device and the tube in the wound up position after use.

[0017] It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a novel device for flexible collapsible tubing containing viscous fluids having unique means for capturing and securing plastic tubing after each content extrusion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a simple one-piece generally planar key-like device for winding up depleted portions of collapsible flexible tubes containing viscous fluids, and then capturing and securing the tubing after each content extrusion to segregate the depleted portions of the tube. The invention is particularly useful for easy wrapping of resilient tubes, such as plastic tubes, and then preventing the resilient tube from unwrapping once it is rolled up. It has broad application in that it also works well on metal foil tubes.

[0019] The device includes a handle portion and an elongated shaft portion extending therefrom. The elongated shaft portion has a longitudinal opening disposed therein for receiving the closed flattened end of the container tube to be used, and the handle portion provides gripping means for winding depleted tube portions about the shaft portion after each use. The handle portion further includes means for securing the wound up tube thus preventing unwinding of the tube to thereby segregate the depleted portions of the tube.

[0020] In use, the closed flattened end of the tube is inserted into the longitudinal opening after an initial portion of the contents has been expelled, generally manually. The handle is rotated to wind up the depleted portion of the tube around the elongated portion of the shaft of the key-like device. The means for securing the wound-up tubing in place includes handle extensions overlapping opposite sides of the shaft, essentially to form cut outs in the handle. Merging of the wound up tubing portion with the cut outs, such as by sliding the shaft to engage the wound up tubing with the cut outs, serves to prevent the tubing from unwinding. The fabrication and configuration of the device can be varied as desired to accommodate tubing of different size and/or material.

[0021] The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the reading of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the several views.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device for segregating depleted portions of flexible collapsible tubing in accordance with the invention;

[0023]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 illustrating winding of the tubing in accordance with the invention;

[0024]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention as shown in FIG. 2 illustrating the wound-up tubing in the locking position in accordance with the invention; and

[0025]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the invention as shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line 4-4 thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] Referring now to the drawings in general, there is shown the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 is designed for primary use with flexible, collapsible, plastic tubes that contain a pliable viscous substance, such as toothpaste, hair creme, lotion, gel, etc. for extrusion through an open end in the tube. It has the unique capability of providing for winding up depleted portions of collapsible flexible tubes containing viscous fluids, and then capturing and securing the tubing after each content extrusion to segregate the depleted portions of the tube.

[0027] The device 10 is fabricated in the form of a simple one-piece generally planar key-like member made of relatively rigid plastic, such as a poly-carbon, in an injection molding process, as is well known. It is thus capable of being inexpensively mass-produced.

[0028]FIG. 1 illustrates the device 10, in perspective view, illustrating that it is comprised of a unitary member having planar portions, a handle portion 11 and an elongated, generally rectangular, shaft portion 12. Shaft portion 12 includes an elongate longitudinal opening, shown in the preferred embodiment as slotted aperture 13, disposed therewithin. Handle portion 11 has a width greater than shaft portion 12 and includes extensions 11 a and 11 b extending to overhang each side of shaft 12 to form cut outs 14 a and 14 b respectively. Handle portion 11 is shown with concave end 16, however, the handle could be terminated with a convex, or some other, end configuration.

[0029] As will be more fully explained, FIG. 2 illustrates device 10 with a flexible collapsible resilient tube 15 wound thereon in accordance with the invention.

[0030]FIG. 3 illustrates the manner in which the wound up tube 15 is secured on shaft 12 to prevent unwinding of the tube 15.

[0031]FIG. 4 illustrates, in cross-sectional view, the manner in which the closed, flattened, end of tube 15 is inserted into the elongate slot 13 of shaft portion 12 and then wound or rolled up by rotating the handle 11.

[0032] Handle extensions 11 a, 11 b extend to overhang opposite sides of shaft 12 to form cut outs 14 a, 14 b, respectively, on opposite sides of the shaft portion 12 for securing the tube 15 in the wound, or rolled up position as explained. The dimensions, that is, the depth and width of the cut outs 14 a, 14 b, cooperate to prevent the tubing from unwinding once it is inserted into the cut outs as indicated in FIG. 3 and shown in FIG. 4. The dimensions of each cut out 14 a, 14 b are such that a sufficient portion of the rolled up tubing is accepted therein, and then cooperate with each other to provide sufficient contact friction to prevent the tube from slipping out and unwinding. This is particularly suited for resilient plastic tubes that are prone to unwind and permit re-flow of material into the depleted area, thus requiring rewind before each use. The device may be left on the tube and will effectively prevent the viscous material remaining in the tube from flowing back into the depleted portion of the tube.

[0033] In use, after an initial portion of the contents of the flat end of tube 15 have been extruded and the tube capped, the closed, partially depleted and substantially flattened end of the tube 15 is inserted into the slot 13 of shaft 12. Handle 11 is then rotated to wind up the depleted portion of the tube around the elongated portion of the shaft 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. The tube 15 is then secured in the wound up position by merging the wound up portion of tube 15 with the handle cut outs 14 a, 14 b. This may be done by sliding the shaft portion 12, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3, to engage the tube 15 with the handle cut outs 14 a, 14 b, or the tube 15 may be slid along shaft 12 to accomplish the same thing. In the preferred embodiment of the device 10 designed for tubing of a size similar to a standard size toothpaste tube, device 10 is typically constructed of a rigid planar plastic material, such as high impact poly-carbon plastic, in an automatic inexpensive injection molding process, as is well known. In this embodiment the approximate dimensions in inches are: Overall length—3 {fraction (1/16)} Thickness—⅛ Handle—1.0 × 1.0 Shaft length—2 ⅜ Shaft width—⅜ Slot length—2¼ Slot width—⅛ Cut out depth—{fraction (5/16)} Cot out width—{fraction (3/16)}

[0034] The device 10 is designed with rounded or curved edges throughout, including the interior of slot 13 and cut outs 14 a, 14 b. For the embodiment for a tube size similar to the standard toothpaste tube, the curvature of the slot ends 13 a, 13 b and the cut outs 14 a, 14 b is approximately {fraction (1/32)} inch. The handle portion 11 is generally rectangular with a curved concave, or if desired, convex, ending opposite the cut outs 14 a, 14 b.

[0035] However, it will be recognized that the configuration, dimensions, and construction material of the device 10 is selected requisite the desired use of the device. In other words, although the above example is for a standard size toothpaste tube, the device 10 may be adapted, configured, and manufactured of various materials in various sizes depending on the collapsible tube and pliable substance contained therein. For instance, it will be recognized that the length of the slot 13 will be determined by the size of the flattened tube with which the device is to be used. Likewise, the overall dimensions as well as the strength of the material of the device 10 will depend upon the relevant characteristics of the tube to be emptied.

[0036] Further, the device 10 may be constructed of other material, such as aluminum or other metal, depending on the strength needed. Also, the size of the device may be varied depending upon the size of the tubing it is to be used with. Further, the device 10 may be molded in any color desired, thus allowing for color coding for various sizes and uses. Likewise the configuration may vary, as for instance the handle 11 may be of a different configuration other than shown and described, with locking cut outs 14 a, 14 b also of different configurations. Additionally, the opening for receiving the flattened end of tube 15 could be open ended and not formed as a slotted aperture.

[0037] Thus, the device 10 may be fabricated as desired for use with collapsible flexible tubes of a variety of sizes and containing materials of most any pliable viscosity. Further, unlike prior art key-like devices, it is uniquely designed for use with resilient plastic tubes since it provides means for securing the plastic tube in place after each use.

[0038] Although there have been described specific features of a device for winding up depleted portions of collapsible flexible tubes containing viscous fluids, and then capturing and securing the tubing after each content extrusion to segregate the depleted portions of the tube, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, it is not intended that such features limit the invention, and any and all modifications, variations or equivalents, which may occur to those skilled in the art, are be considered to be within the scope, coverage and spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for aiding in extrusion of a viscous fluid from a collapsible flexible tube, said tube having a flattened closed end and an opening at the other end thereof from which said viscous fluid is extruded, said device comprising: a unitary member including an elongated generally rectangular portion having a generally elongate longitudinal slot disposed therein for accepting said closed end of said tube; and a handle portion for gripping and rotating said shaft portion to wind an initially partially depleted portion of said tube around said shaft, said handle portion including means for capturing and securing the tube in the wound up position.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for capturing and securing the tube in the wound up position includes extensions of said handle portion overlapping opposite sides of said elongated rectangular portion to thereby form concave cut outs in said handle.
 3. The device of claim 2 whereby said wound up tube is captured and secured by the wound up portion of said tube with said cut outs, said extensions serving to grip and hold said tube in the wound up condition.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein said generally elongated rectangular portion extends from said handle portion in a substantially key-like configuration.
 5. The device of claim 2 wherein said device is substantially planar.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein said device is manufactured from high impact poly-carbon plastic material by injection molding.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein said device has dimensions of approximately {fraction (1/8)} inch in thickness and 3{fraction (1/16)} inch in length.
 8. A key-like device for aiding in extrusion of a viscous fluid from a partially depleted collapsible flexible tube, said device comprising: means for constraining the uncapped closed end of the tube; handle means for rolling up said partially depleted portion of the tube about said means for constraining the uncapped closed end of the tube; and means in said handle means for locking said partially depleted rolled up portion after each use such that said partially depleted portion is segregated from any remaining contents of the tube.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein said means for constraining the uncapped closed end of the tube is a generally elongated rectangular member extending from said handle means and having an elongate longitudinal opening disposed therein for accepting and constraining said closed end of said tube.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein said handle means for locking said partially depleted rolled up portion includes extensions of said handle overlapping opposite sides of said elongated rectangular member.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein said key-like device is of one piece generally planar high impact poly-carbon plastic material and is approximately {fraction (1/8)} inch in thickness and 3{fraction (1/16)} inch in length.
 12. The device of claim 11 wherein said slot is approximately 2¼ inch in length and ⅛^(th) inch in width to accommodate a standard size toothpaste tube.
 13. The device of claim 12 wherein said slot has curved end edges each having a radius of approximately 0.03125 inches.
 14. A device for aiding in extrusion of a viscous substance from a flexible, collapsible plastic tube or the like, said tube having an opening at one end thereof from which said viscous substance is extruded and an opposite closed end, said device comprising: a substantially planar one piece key-like member including an elongated portion having an opening disposed longitudinally therein for receiving the closed end of said tube, and a handle portion for gripping and rotating said device; said handle portion being positioned to rotate said device to wind up depleted portions of the closed end of said tube around said elongated portion; and having means for locking said tube in the rolled up position.
 15. The device of claim 14 wherein said handle locking means includes extensions of said handle portion overlapping opposite sides of said elongated rectangular portion to form concave cut outs in said handle, said wound up depleted portion engaged with said cut outs to hold said tube in the wound up position.
 16. A method of winding up the depleted portion of a flexible collapsible tube containing viscous material and having a flattened closed end and an opening at the other end for extruding said material, and securing the wound up depleted portion to prevent unwinding of the tube and re-flow of said material into the depleted tube portion, comprising the steps of: providing a winding and securing device having an elongated generally rectangular portion and a handle portion for rotating said elongated portion, said handle portion having locking means for securing said wound up depleted portion; engaging the depleted tube portion with said elongated generally rectangular portion, rotating said handle to wind up said depleted portion around said elongated portion, engaging said handle locking means with said wound up depleted portion to secure said wound up portion of said tube to prevent unwinding of said tube and re-flow of said material.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein said elongated generally rectangular portion includes an elongate opening disposed therein configured for accepting said closed end of said tube.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein said handle locking means includes extensions of said handle portion overlapping opposite sides of said elongated rectangular portion to thereby form concave cut outs in said handle.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of engaging said handle locking means with said wound up depleted portion includes merging the wound up portion of said tube with said cut outs, said extensions serving to grip and hold said tube in the wound up position.
 20. The method of claim 18 wherein said winding and securing device is of substantially key-like configuration manufactured as a single planar piece from high impact poly-carbon plastic material by injection molding with dimensions of approximately {fraction (1/8)} inch in thickness and 3{fraction (1/16)} inch in length, and said slot is approximately 2¼ inch in length and ⅛^(th) inch in width to accommodate a standard size toothpaste tube 